Gaming News

An inside source at Microsoft has leaked that the Xbox 720 (codename ‘Durango’) will be prepped and ready to launch this time next year: Holiday 2013. The source also indicated that Microsoft has yet to reach a decision as to when and where they’ll unveil this new console. While many will quickly suggest E3 2013 as a launch pad for the system, some are inclined to believe that the company might be preparing its own proprietary event for such a momentous occasion, much in the way Apple unveils its new products each year.

Although Microsoft has yet to officially confirm any 720 specs, the editor in chief of Xbox World recently leaked some additional details in honor of the magazine's final issue. According to Dan Dawkins , the 720 will also feature a Blu-ray drive, directional audio, a TV output and input, an 'innovative controller' and even AR glasses at an unspecified date after launch.

Although Dawkins didn't disclose final specs, he did note that the current version of the Xbox 720 Durango developer kit was equipped with a CPU loaded with four hardware cores - each divided into four logical cores along with 8GB of RAM. He did confirmed that Xbox World had used leaks and industry sources to construct a detailed 3D mock-up of what the publication expected the next-gen Xbox to look like.

"We built ours with the same glossy face and patented VapourMG magnesium alloy Microsoft uses for its Surface tablet, and modelled the silver band after its new 'Wedge' touch keyboard and flexible Arc Touch mouse"

The rumoured release window does fit in with two other recent reports. The first came from the magazine "Xbox World" which also reveals several unconfirmed details about the Xbox 720. The second report, from The Verge, states that Microsoft is planning to release a set-top box called Xbox TV during holiday 2013 as part of a “two-SKU next generation Xbox strategy”.